Cowspiracy: The Tipline for 24 April 2019

Sixteen years ago today, the Department of Justice sued to compel Dairy Farmers of America to divest its interests in Southern Belle Dairy “to prevent higher milk prices” for over 100 school districts in Kentucky and Tennessee. Dairy Farmers of America was initially granted summary judgment before a Kentucky district court, but the US Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit later reversed the ruling. Dairy Farmers of America then divested its stake in Southern Belle to settle the DOJ’s claims. Yesterday, a group of cattle ranchers filed an antitrust lawsuit alleging a conspiracy to limit beef output from meat packers. Did they recognise this significant anniversary? Perhaps not, but today, we at GCR USA celebrate the intersection of bovines and antitrust law.